JPJ will intensify enforcement against companies hiring illegal foreign drivers, working with Immigration to curb unsafe and unlawful heavy-vehicle practices.
There Will Be No Compromise from JPJ
The Malaysian Road Transport Department (JPJ) has pledged to intensify enforcement against transport companies that continue to employ foreign drivers, following repeated breaches involving heavy vehicles. In a press statement, JPJ stated that such violations not only break the law but also compromise public safety.
According to JPJ Senior Director of Enforcement, Datuk Muhammad Kifli Ma Hassan, the department will work closely with the Immigration Department in an integrated operation aimed at addressing repeat offenders.
JPJ said it has issued 9,114 summons notices nationwide this year to drivers and company owners for offences, including driving without a valid licence, failure to hold a vocational licence (GDL), and various other violations under the Road Transport Act 1987. The department also added that it has issued interview notices, vehicle inspection orders, and seizure notices under the same Act.
In its official statement, JPJ said, “This department will not compromise with any party that disregards the law, especially in matters affecting road safety.”
In Selangor, Bernama reported that 5,915 offences involving foreign drivers were detected during a series of operations targeting cleaning companies. Of these, 2,170 summonses were issued, along with 1,729 inspection notices, 1,620 vehicle prohibition notices, 154 interrogation notices, 138 seizure notices, and 104 notices requesting driver details.
Bernama also reported that 25 garbage trucks belonging to a single company were seized within 10 days. The vehicles were allegedly driven by unlicensed foreign workers, lacked valid road tax and insurance, and were poorly maintained.
Muhammad Kifli said that the current penalty rate under the Road Transport Act—fines between RM300 and RM1,000—is too lenient and does not act as a meaningful deterrent.
“For the 25 lorries seized, JPJ will take action to revoke their permits under the Land Public Transport Act (APAD). However, this action alone is still insufficient, as companies that hire illegal drivers are not directly penalised. Most of these workers were found to have misused their work permits, and all 25 cases will be referred to the Immigration Department for further action under the Immigration Act 1959/63,” Muhammad Kifli explained.
